The SNP has promised to ringfence NHS spending and introduce an independence referendum in the next parliament.
The party’s manifesto also promises to kickstart a “renewables revolution”, including 130,000 low carbon jobs and 100% energy from renewables by 2020.
It also vowed to extend the length of the current council tax freeze to the duration of the next parliament, if it wins a second term.
Leader Alex Salmond said he had a vision of a “free, just and independent Scotland”.
He told those in attendance that: “We are committed to another five years of the council tax freeze because it has given a much-needed boost to households during tough times.
“It is a central part of our social democratic contract with the people of Scotland.”
Mr Salmond said the party goes into the election with a record of achievement in government and wanted more financial control from Westminster to aid recovery.
Also promised was a £2.5bn programme to finance capital projects and commitments were made to create 100,000 training opportunities a year, including 25,000 apprenticeships and new school building investment.
The manifesto, launched at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, also outlined details of a £50m fund to help young people and pay for a national football academy.
The SNP said its young Scots fund formed part of the £250m Scottish futures initiative, which has come from savings in the cost of building the new Forth Road Bridge.
Mr Salmond said the fund would “drive Scotland’s future”.
He also said: “At this election our message is crystal clear – the SNP is the only party with a track record which proves we can be trusted to deliver a council tax freeze.
“This is a manifesto full of ambitious policies designed to take Scotland forward to a successful future – including a referendum on independence so that at long last the people have the right to choose Scotland’s future.”{jcomments on}
